Canberra’s 25th SpringOUT Pride Festival is not only a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, but also a reflection of how far the city has come as one of Australia’s most inclusive and progressive capitals. Held each November, SpringOUT is Canberra’s only pride festival, showcasing the diversity and strength of the city’s diverse community. From free and low-cost events to extravagant celebrations, this year’s festival marks a significant milestone in its history, with a lineup of events that reflect the festival’s evolution.
“SpringOUT had humble beginnings,” says ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, reflecting on the festival’s roots. “It started as a small march in Glebe Park, but from the start, it did attract media and community attention.”
Over the years, the festival has transformed into a month-long celebration, with events such as Meridian and SpringOUT Fair Day, the Famous Pink Tennis Bush Dance, and even a second Pride Rugby Match hosted by ACT Veterans Rugby.
“It’s got much bigger over the years… but it’s still retained its community base,” Barr adds.
Barr’s connection to SpringOUT is deeply personal. It was at the festival’s first event on 13 November 1999, that he met his partner, Anthony.
“That date is the date we first met, the date of our civil partnership, and the date we got married as well,” Barr says.
“If SpringOUT hadn’t been on, we may never have met.” The couple now shares their 25th anniversary with the festival itself, a unique parallel that highlights the importance of the event in Barr’s life.
As Barr reflects on his involvement in the festival over the years, he emphasises the importance of political figures supporting LGBTQIA+ events. “From the first event to now demonstrates extraordinary progress,” he says. “It was probably a controversial decision for the then chief minister to attend the first event, but we’ve moved from that to a point where having an openly gay chief minister is largely unremarkable.”
However, Barr acknowledges that the journey is far from complete, especially for the trans and gender-diverse communities. “The gay and lesbian component of the LGBTI community has much greater acceptance and inclusion than trans and intersex communities,” Barr explains.
“There’s still a journey ahead, especially around community understanding of gender issues. At the moment, we seem to be in a period where gender issues are being weaponised as part of culture wars by those who want to create conflict and controversy.
“So, I think we need to consider where the next 25 years will take us. There’s still unfinished business regarding sexuality, but much more work, engagement, and education are needed for the journey of acceptance and inclusion in the gender-diverse area.”
SpringOUT 2024 isn’t just about pride for Barr and Anthony; it’s about the progress of Canberra as a whole. And as they mark their own 25 years together, Barr reflects on the secret to a long-lasting relationship.
“I think the key is finding a balance between shared interests and activities you can do independently, so you can still be your own person,” he says. “We’ve found a way to pursue our individual interests while sharing experiences together.”
For Barr, who admits the demands of political life can be all-consuming, finding that balance has been key to making their relationship thrive.
“It would be difficult being in a relationship with a politician. One of the most frequent conversations is me saying, ‘I should be home by 8:30,’ which Anthony knows really means 9:30. I’ve had to learn how to switch off, but it’s hard when politics is a lifestyle, not just a job. I’ve been on call for 10 years, even during our honeymoon. Anthony’s incredibly patient—he’d definitely be a nominee for the most patient man in Canberra!”
With Canberra more vibrant and inclusive than ever, this year’s SpringOUT Pride Festival offers a chance to celebrate both the past and the future. From the Fair Day to workshops and exhibitions, SpringOUT is a testament to the city’s progress as Australia’s most LGBTQIA+ friendly capital.
As Barr and Anthony join the celebrations in November, they not only commemorate 25 years of the festival but also reflect on their own shared journey—one that started with SpringOUT and continues to thrive in Canberra’s ever-growing, inclusive community.
This year’s SpringOUT theme, “PRIDE in the Capital,” brings Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ community together with a diverse lineup of events. From STUN Magazine’s George Michael party to a night of comedy with Jackie Loeb, the festival caters to all tastes. Whether it’s the Pride Run with Canberra Frontrunners or the reunion of Heaven Nightclub DJs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
